The 21st of December is now known to many in Australia as "Gravy Day" as How to Make Gravy a song offering hope and redemption, while acknowledging human frailty captured the hearts of people across the world. The song had a similar hopeful feel to it that his earlier To Her Door had where a couple appeared to survive setbacks.
The version in the link made the song even more poignant by linking the story of someone in prison missing family Christmas to those caught out by Covid. The song captured Christmas family dynamics really well. No doubt because Kelly drew upon his memories of big family Christmases, with all their stresses and strains.
The song included the verse
"And you'll dance with Rita, I know you really like her
Just don't hold her too close
Oh, brother, please don't stab me in the back
I didn't mean to say that, it's just my mind it plays up
Multiplies each matter, turns imagination into fact"
I am not sure why and I am not sure how I feel about it but Paul Kelly decided we needed an update and as he said in concert last week Joe was right to be worried about his brother and Rita. And on or before getting out of prison Rita Wrote a Letter and then Joe's life did not really work out and he is singing from his grave. As usual Kelly is able to capture some of life's realities in a few of the stanza's that make the dissappointment for wh
I knew that I was still in stir
For the crime committed I was still doing time
Behind the walls between me and her"
.......
Rita wrote a letter
And this is what she had to say
She said, 'Joe I'm really sorry
But me and Dan, our love is here to stay
With the kids it's getting better
And now a little baby's on the way'
........
She said, 'Joe, I gave you good chances
But half a year turned into two
You could never hold your temper
And you always made it all about you'
......
I'm still hugging it under the clay
Rita wrote a letter
Deep down I know it's better this way
And maybe she and Dan feel guilty
And the children sometimes cry at night
But I made my bed, I'm lying in it
And I know they're gonna be alright
Oh, I didn't mean to say that
It's just my mind it plays up
Multiplies each matter ......................................